William Pitt

Maker Joseph Nollekens (British, 1737 - 1823)

ClassificationsSCULPTURE

Date1807

Mediummarble

Dimensionsheight: 28 in. (71.1 cm.)

DescriptionThis bust depicts the British statesman William Pitt the Younger (1759–1806), Britain's youngest ever Prime Minister.

Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

Status

On view

Label TextNollekens used a death mask to produce this bust of Pitt, who served as prime minister through most of the reign of King George III. He is shown wearing a classical cloak that falls loosely over his body. This vivid portrayal appealed to the English elite of the time and led Nollekens and his workshop to replicate it dozens of times. A facial cyst appears to have caused the swelling of the sitter's left cheek.

Object number65.13